Santa Anita Park will host the equestrian events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, officials announced Tuesday as part of a broader venue unveiling for the summer games.
The historic venue returns to Olympic prominence after previously hosting equestrian competitions during the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The selection represents a surprising shift from earlier plans.
In March, the Los Angeles City Council had approved Galway Downs, located nearly 100 miles south of LA, as the equestrian venue.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Galway Downs was removed from consideration just one day after LA28, the organizing committee for the games, received approval for its master plan from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during a closed-door session on April 9.
“The 2028 Olympics will be held July 14-30, at a time when Santa Anita Park is traditionally closed for racing and training,” said Nate Newby, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Santa Anita. “Our goal as we work with the LA28 team over the coming months and years is to minimize any potential disruption to racing operations while maximizing exposure for Santa Anita Park.”
The venue selection aligns with LA28’s strategy of utilizing existing facilities throughout Southern California.
“The return of the Summer Olympic Games in 2028 represents a thrilling and prestigious moment, underscoring Santa Anita Park’s versatility as a world-class sport and entertainment venue, and as a vital pillar of Southern California’s horse sport culture,” Newby added. “We are excited by the opportunity to again showcase SAP on a global scale. We will be able to share more details as event plans are finalized.”
LA28 chief executive officer Reynold Hoover emphasized the regional approach in a statement: “The 2028 Olympic venue plan invites communities from across the region to celebrate the Games coming to their backyard with the most exciting sports staged at some of the world’s top-tier existing stadiums and arenas, famous beaches and purpose-built temporary structures.”
LA City Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the economic and infrastructure benefits of hosting the games.
“As we come together to prepare, we will help small businesses, create local jobs and implement lasting environmental and transportation improvements that will leave a legacy in our city for generations to come,” Bass said.
